"The whole concept of host backups is hypervisor-agnostic, vendor-agnostic. Host backups can be
done with Hyper-V,
VMware, Citrix. … There are a lot of benefits to
doing host-level backups; in fact, it's usually the preferred method of backing up a virtual data
center."

But there are some steps you may have to consider when conducting a VMware host backup. In this
Storage Decisions video, Posey explains some of the measures IT pros should take to ensure their
VMware host backups run smoothly.

Posey says that VMware
offers an API that allows compatibility with other vendors -- but the company's compatibility
certification is important, too.

"One of the things you have to pay attention to is VMware certification matters. It's easy to
assume that VMware gives their vendors [the] API and they can interact seamlessly with VMware [and]
everything is going to be smooth sailing. But that's not always the case."

While users can review VMware's compatibility document -- which is available at the VMware
website -- Posey suggests visiting the sites of vendors and also researching VMware-related issues
online.

"Usually, what you'll find is a link to some Internet message board where somebody's already
worked through the problem you are having and tells you exactly which version of VMware is
supported. The message boards out there contain a wealth of information [and] can be tremendously
helpful."

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